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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.532

L02.532

Billable

Carbuncle of left hand

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.532 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of carbuncle of left hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A carbuncle is a painful cluster of boils that are interconnected and typically caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. The condition manifests as a red, swollen area on the skin, often accompanied by pus-filled lesions. In the case of a carbuncle of the left hand, the infection may arise from hair follicles or skin trauma, leading to inflammation and necrosis of the surrounding tissue. Clinically, patients may present with fever, chills, and malaise, indicating systemic involvement. The left hand's anatomy includes various structures such as skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles, and nerves, all of which can be affected by the infection. Disease progression can lead to complications such as abscess formation, cellulitis, or systemic spread of infection if not treated promptly. Diagnostic considerations include physical examination, culture of the pus, and possibly imaging if deeper tissue involvement is suspected. Treatment typically involves incision and drainage of the carbuncle, along with antibiotics if systemic symptoms are present or if the patient is immunocompromised.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and possibly laboratory tests to confirm infection.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and treatment plans are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other skin infections.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of the type of skin infection.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding the extent of the infection or treatment provided.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis or treatment provided.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Secondary specialty: Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of carbuncles lies in their potential to cause significant discomfort and systemic infection if left untreated. In terms of population health, skin infections like carbuncles can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and hospitalizations. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and appropriate antibiotic use to prevent complications. Epidemiologically, carbuncles are more prevalent in individuals with compromised immune systems or poor hygiene, highlighting the need for public health education on skin care and infection prevention.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of carbuncles lies in their potential to cause significant discomfort and systemic infection if left untreated. In terms of population health, skin infections like carbuncles can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and hospitalizations. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and appropriate antibiotic use to prevent complications. Epidemiologically, carbuncles are more prevalent in individuals with compromised immune systems or poor hygiene, highlighting the need for public health education on skin care and infection prevention.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the necessity of surgical intervention, such as incision and drainage, which may be billed separately using CPT codes 10060 or 10061. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for the procedure. It is crucial to maintain thorough records of the patient's clinical presentation, treatment plan, and follow-up care to mitigate these risks.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for L00-L99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for L00-L99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by L02.532?

L02.532 specifically covers carbuncles located on the left hand, which are characterized by clusters of boils resulting from bacterial infections. It does not cover other skin infections or lesions.

When should L02.532 be used instead of related codes?

L02.532 should be used when the clinical presentation specifically indicates a carbuncle on the left hand. If the infection is on the right hand or another body part, the appropriate related code should be selected.

What documentation supports L02.532?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment, description of the lesions, treatment provided, and any laboratory results confirming the diagnosis of a carbuncle.